El Paladar Boricua II — Restaurant in Salem

As a Puerto Rican who grew up near plenty of Hispanic restaurants, I was very excited to find a PR restaurant near my new address. I had a platter here 3 times, 2 times, it was fine, third time, no flavor. Bistec encebollado, pernil and arroz con gandules all tasted like oil. I’ve had the pernil and bistec before and last time it had more flavor. The bistec lacked vinegar, salt, and flavor, did not taste any sofrito. Rice is pretty basic, definitely not what I grew up with, but I don’t mind it. However, what’s most expensive and should stand out is the meat and my last platter was disappointing. I don’t know if they have different cooks on certain days, but there should be consistency. Even my gringo bf who is used to eating bland food was not too crazy about it. Additionally, I feel very awkward when I walk in, aside from that, place is very clean, neat, and I’m sure there are other things on the menu that may be better options. I forgot, I have also had a slice of pizza and it was burnt on the bottom, just not enjoyable. I got maduros (sweet plaintains) on the side, and only once were they soft and sweet as they should be. Two other times, not as soft (less ripe) and less sweet. Once I got the macaroni salad, which I don’t eat, but my bf said it was delicious! I was really happy to find a Puerto Rican restaurant, to enjoy familiar comfort food on days I don’t feel like cooking, but for the price and inconsistency, I don’t see myself going often. Hope to see some change because I’m tired of Mexican restaurants! Sorry if I came off rude, was not my intention. Overall, I would still say go support this restaurant and give it a chance, maybe you will find something you like. They have lots of food choices, I just only care for...

I stumbled upon this restaurant when my very hungry pregnant self was aimlessly browsing through DoorDash, deciding what to order for lunch. My eyes immediately lit up when I saw the word "Boricua" on my screen. Knowing the lower Salem County area only has a few Mexican restaurants for Latin options, I was practically jumping for joy when I saw there was now a Puerto Rican restaurant nearby. I'm not Spanish, but my husband is Puerto Rican, so I can really appreciate authentic Puerto Rican food when I have the rare chance to enjoy it. I wound up ordering the pernil platter, which comes with a very generous portion of rice, a side salad with Italian dressing, and some plantains. The pernil is very flavorful and moist, which I appreciate because you can tell it's fresh. The rice was also flavorful and cooked perfectly. Everything tastes homemade and reminds me exactly of my in laws' cooking. The portions are huge as well. This place definitely hit the spot, and tastes just about as authentic as it can get. I can't wait to try more from the menu. Gone are the days where holidays are the only time I get to indulge in some delicious homemade Puerto Rican food.. I know we will be...

Got there at 4:45 and they were about to close but the cashier said we could still get platters just nothing cooked cause the chefs left already. Save your time and go to Westville Family Market!! We all took a couple of bites of our food and agreed it didn't taste too good. The beef was salty and the rice was dry. My daughter ate her chicken. Also the salad and plantains only come with the large platter, even though a platter is a platter and the same things should come with both no matter the size. $54 for 4 small platters a coke n meat patty was not bad at all but it definitely wasn't what we expected taste wise. I'm glad they are here to serve the workers from the warehouses, but we won't be back. Anyone going just get pizza if your stopping by I wouldn't recommend the other stuff. I'm not being rude either but take a trip down to Westville Family Market and see how they do it! Please don't come for me I'm entitled to my...